News Releases

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• 3/25/2024 Governor Lamont and Commissioner Dykes on Biden Administration’s Announcement Regarding Expanded Offshore Wind Tax Credits

  (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes released the following statements regarding today’s announcement from the Biden administration on the expansion of tax incentives to support and stimulate more offshore wind projects:

• 3/25/2024 CONNECTICUT FLOOD SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK MARCH 25-29

  HARTFORD, CT – As flood season approaches, the Connecticut Insurance Department (CID), Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), and Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) are partnering to provide resources and preparedness information during "Flood Safety Awareness Week", taking place this year from March 25 to March 29.

• 3/22/2024 DEEP Announces 2024 Sky’s the Limit Hiking and Walking Challenge

  (HARTFORD) — Ready for an outdoor hiking adventure? Go on your own, grab a friend, or bring your leashed four-legged companion along for the 2024 Sky’s The Limit (STL) Hiking Challenge focused on Connecticut’s State Forests. The 2024 STL kick-off on March 22nd is a celebration of spring by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Take the challenge to get outside for some fresh air and physical exercise. Hike and walk the highlighted trails and take designated photos along the way for a fun outdoor experience. Fifteen State Forest locations will be identified for participants to explore, with varying scenery and highlights at each location. The adventurous and fun challenge runs through December 6, 2024.

• 3/21/2024 DEEP to Conduct Prescribed Burns at Five Locations this Spring

  (HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) plans to conduct prescribed burns at five locations this spring, weather and conditions permitting. The areas include Matianuck Natural Area Preserve (NAP) in Windsor, Suffield Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Suffield, Machimoodus State Park in East Haddam, Goodwin State Forest in Hampton, and Pachaug State Forest in Voluntown.

• 3/19/2024 Final Days to Register for DEEP's 4th Connecticut Youth Climate Summit

  (HARTFORD) — The registration deadline for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)’s free online Connecticut Youth Climate Summit is only days away. The summit will take place on Tuesday, March 26th from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This event marks the fourth virtual summit collaboratively developed with DEEP staff and a committee of young climate leaders from across the state. Teachers and other high school level educators are asked to register their schools and students no later than March 20, 2024.

• 3/19/2024 Governor Lamont Announces Availability of 41 Million To Expand Broadband in Connecticut

  (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the State of Connecticut is making nearly $41 million available to fund projects that expand broadband infrastructure and improve internet connectivity in the state.

• 3/1/2024 Governor Lamont Announces Progress on Release-Based Cleanup Program To Spur Remediation of Blighted Properties

  (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Katie Dykes, and Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) Interim Commissioner Dan O’Keefe today announced progress on the development of release-based cleanup regulations that will streamline the remediation and redevelopment of blighted properties impacted by pollution from past industrial uses.

• 2/26/2024 CT Environmental Conservation Police Make Arrest In Alleged Sexual Assault Case

  The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced this morning that Environmental Conservation Police (EnCon) officers have arrested an Old Saybrook man on charges of sexual assault following an investigation.

• 2/21/2024 DEEP Reminds Residents of Best Wood-Burning Practices

  (HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is reminding residents how to safely limit exposure to smoke when burning wood to heat homes. Residents should protect their health and that of their family, friends, and neighbors by employing “best burn” practices. Properly burning the correct type of wood limits exposure to wood smoke, which is a hazardous air pollutant.

• 2/5/2024 DEEP Launches 2024 Seasonal Staff Recruitment

• 1/26/2024 DEEP to Host 18th Annual No Child Left Inside® Winter Festival

  (HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) celebrates the outdoors all year long. The No Child Left Inside® 18th annual Winter Festival at Burr Pond State Park in Torrington is planned for Saturday, February 3. Children and their caregivers are invited to join DEEP for multiple fun, outdoor winter activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• 1/16/2024 DEEP Requests Grant Proposals for Aquatic Invasive Species Control on Lakes, Ponds, and Rivers

  (HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is now accepting proposals for the State’s Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Grant Program. The program makes $500,000 available to reduce impacts of aquatic invasive species on inland waters in Connecticut. Applications will be accepted through January 31, 2024.

• 1/12/2024 Governor Lamont Announces Connecticut Awarded $14.6 Million Federal Grant To Expand Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Seven Communities

  (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation is awarding the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection with a $14.6 million grant through its Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program to expand Connecticut’s network of electric vehicle charging stations. The program is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

• 1/11/2024 Governor Lamont Announces New Initiative To Promote Outdoor Recreation Economy

  (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced the establishment of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences, which seeks to grow Connecticut’s outdoor recreation economy by creating partnerships with the private sector. Coinciding with establishing this new office, DEEP is launching a request for information (RFI) as an initial step to expand services and amenities in state parks through partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, and other private sector entities.

• 1/4/2024 DEEP to Allocate $2 Million to Address Tree Canopy Access in Connecticut

  (HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced the Urban Forest Equity Grant Program. The new $2 million program is designed to address the lack of tree canopy in disadvantaged communities. The funding comes from the federal Inflation Reduction Act and is administered by the U.S. Forest Service.